On Saturday 18 April 2026, the first Elysian Awards filled G Live in Guildford with people who rarely stop long enough to be thanked.
They came from schools, care settings, city farms, therapy services and community groups across the country. Some had travelled for hours. Many had never been nominated for anything before. By the end of the evening, twenty awards had been presented and the room had been on its feet more times than anyone could count.
Dr Charlotte Williams founded the Awards to recognise the people whose impact is measured in lives changed rather than headlines. Her words set the tone for the night:
“Good practice is not defined by systems or labels. It is defined by the difference it makes to the person in front of you.”
Comedian Jo Brand joined us as our special guest and brought warmth, wit and heart to every presentation. We are so grateful to her.
Winners in their own words
Steph Freeman of Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group won the Outstanding Contribution in Education Award (Individual). She described it as “an entirely unexpected moment and one I will never forget.”
Daniel Sukula of Be The Change Youth Project CIC won the Transformational Leadership Award and dedicated it to “the whole Be The Change family,” adding: “We’re changing lives together, and this is only the beginning.”
Southampton City Farm had a night to remember, winning the Making a Difference with Animals Award while Tom Kitcher, from the same farm, won the Rising Star Award. Amanda Knowles MBE of Your Life Your Story received our first Lifetime Achievement Award. Every award told a story of steady, generous work.
You can see every 2026 winner on our Winners 2026 page, and relive the night in the Gallery.
What happens next
The second Elysian Awards return to G Live in 2027, with a new set of finalists and a room ready to celebrate them. Everyone is celebrated, and no one leaves empty handed.
Find out more about the night, and follow us on Facebook for photos, winner stories and news as the season unfolds.